Kashmiri cuisine is known for its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and aromatic spices. Among its many delicacies, Kashmiri Paneer holds a special place. This dish, with its deep red color and creamy texture, is not only visually appealing but also a treat for the taste buds. If you love paneer dishes, this Kashmiri-style preparation is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Rich & Creamy Texture – A luxurious blend of paneer, yogurt, and mild Kashmiri spices.
✔️ Authentic Kashmiri Flavors – Infused with Kashmiri red chili powder for a perfect balance of spice and color.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make it beginner-friendly.
✔️ Versatile Pairing – Goes well with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Paneer Curry:
- Paneer – 250g (cut into cubes)
- Onion – 1 (finely chopped)
- Tomatoes – 2 (pureed)
- Ginger-Garlic Paste – 1 tsp
- Yogurt (Curd) – 3 tbsp
- Kashmiri Red Chili Powder – 1.5 tsp
- Coriander Powder – 1 tsp
- Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
- Garam Masala – ½ tsp
- Cumin Seeds – 1 tsp
- Asafoetida (Hing) – A pinch
- Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) – 1 tsp
- Milk – ½ cup
- Fresh Cream – 2 tbsp (optional)
- Salt – As per taste
- Oil/Ghee – 2 tbsp
- Fresh Coriander – For garnishing
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preparing the Paneer
- Lightly pan-fry the paneer cubes in a teaspoon of oil for a golden texture. You can also use raw paneer if you prefer a softer bite.
2. Preparing the Base Masala
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and asafoetida.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cooking the Tomato Puree
- Add tomato puree and cook until the raw smell disappears and oil starts separating from the mixture.
4. Adding the Spices
- Mix in Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric, and garam masala.
- Sauté for a minute to enhance the flavors.
5. Incorporating Dairy for Creaminess
- Lower the heat and add yogurt gradually while stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
- Pour in the milk and let the gravy cook for 2–3 minutes until smooth.
6. Adding Paneer to the Gravy
- Gently add the paneer cubes to the gravy and mix well.
- Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes so that the paneer absorbs the flavors.
7. Finishing Touch
- Crush dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi) between your palms and sprinkle over the curry.
- Add fresh cream for extra richness and mix well.
8. Garnishing & Serving
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with naan, roti, or basmati rice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fats: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs – Your Questions Answered!
1. How is Kashmiri Paneer different from Shahi Paneer?
Kashmiri Paneer has a vibrant red color from Kashmiri red chili powder, whereas Shahi Paneer is creamier and milder, often made with cashew paste and cream.
2. Can I make Kashmiri Paneer without onion and garlic?
Yes! You can skip onion and garlic and enhance the flavors with ginger, yogurt, and Kasuri Methi.
3. Which type of paneer works best for this recipe?
Fresh, homemade paneer is ideal as it absorbs flavors better. Store-bought paneer works too but should be soaked in warm water before use.
4. Is Kashmiri Paneer very spicy?
No, Kashmiri red chili powder gives it a deep red color without making it too spicy. You can adjust spice levels as per your preference.
5. What can I serve with Kashmiri Paneer?
It pairs well with naan, butter roti, jeera rice, or plain steamed basmati rice.
6. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water before serving.
A Little Story Behind This Dish
I still remember my first encounter with Kashmiri Paneer during a family trip to Srinagar. The vibrant red color of the dish, served in a traditional copper bowl, instantly caught my attention. The first bite was a revelation—rich, mildly spiced, yet bursting with flavor.
Back home, I was eager to recreate that magic in my kitchen. After a few trials, I finally nailed the perfect blend of Kashmiri spices and creamy paneer. Now, it has become a family favorite, a dish that brings back fond memories of the beautiful valleys of Kashmir.
I hope this recipe adds a touch of Kashmiri warmth to your dining table too!
Thank You
Thank you for visiting and trying out this Kashmiri Paneer recipe! ❤️ Your support and feedback mean the world to me. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your loved ones.
Got questions or feedback? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you! Stay connected for more delicious and healthy recipes.
Happy Cooking! 🍽️✨